Wallsend state MP Sonia Hornery has thrown her support behind the Hunter’s overworked nurses and midwives, stating the NSW Government’s latest offer was “a slap in the face to them”.
For the first time in eight years, a resounding majority of the industry voted not to accept the state government’s pay proposal and lack of shift-by-shift ratios.
The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) conveyed the decision to NSW Health officials on Monday morning (31 May), after its branches unanimously dismissed the 1.04% wage offer as “pitiful” and “insulting”.
And, Ms Hornery joined the condemnation.
“The Wallsend electorate is home to both the John Hunter Hospital and the Calvary Mater and are an important part of our local community,” she said.
“Nurses have been the unsung heroes of our pandemic response.
“But, they are also the everyday heroes who take care of us when we’re sick and are the key to functioning hospitals.
“The offer from the government is a slap in the face to our nurses and midwives.
“They are concerned for patient safety and are being stretched to breaking point.
“I have met and spoken with nurses locally and support their campaign for fair wages and stronger staffing ratios.”
NSWNMA members were furious the government had ignored their comprehensive claim for safe staffing using nurse-to-patient ratios and said the pay offer fell well short of the 4.7% increase sought by the union earlier in the year.
General secretary Brett Holmes added they felt the offer showed a “complete disregard” for all they do around the clock, let alone during the pandemic, to keep essential health services running and communities safe.
“The number one priority of our members has always been to maintain safe patient care and deliver the best possible health outcomes,” he explained.
“What more do they have to do in order for their voices to be heard by this government?
“This offer simply isn’t good enough.
“Nurses and midwives across the state have done so much this past year.
“Understandably, they feel more than taken for granted. They’re deeply insulted.
“To not consider any improvements to their working conditions or discuss measures that would increase patient safety inside our public hospitals and health facilities is, quite frankly, reckless.”
Mr Holmes said the union was still willing to sit across the table.
“We’ll continue to outline the overwhelming evidence from Queensland and Victoria, following their successful introduction of legislated nurse-to-patient ratios since 2016 and 2015 respectively,” he stated.
“What is the NSW Government so afraid of?
“Our public health system is bursting at the seams and increased pressure is being piled onto health workers year after year.
“The government knows we’ve got a staffing crisis in our hospitals and the failure to adopt shift-by-shift ratios is leading more nurses and midwives to leave these professions.
“Seeking safe staffing through shift-by-shift ratios and fair pay is not excessive.
“It’s what NSW needs and would help the workforce feel much more valued than it currently does.”
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